23 tech shirt sponsors in football

With the FA Cup final and the forthcoming World Cup putting us at fever pitch, we look at where AV brands and football combined through the medium of shirt

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What Hi-Fi? is reaching fever pitch as the domestic football season comes to a close tomorrow with the FA Cup Final, and, oh yes, there's still the Football League playoffs to be decided as well... Add in next month's World Cup in Brazil, and we have a feast of football.

The relationship between AV companies and football seems to be as long as the history of football sponsorship itself, with some of the first sponsors in football coming from the consumer technology world. In this week's feature, we take a look at some of the most memorable...

Aberdeen – JVC [1987-90]

We start north of the border with Aberdeen, who teamed up with JVC for three years in the late 1980s. Highlight: The 1989/90 season saw the Dons win two Scottish cups, as well as second place in the league.

Arsenal – JVC [1981-99]

One of the most enduring shirt sponsorships during the 1980s and 1990s was JVC and Arsenal. Highlight: The 1989 Division One triumph at Anfield, with Gunners winning 2-0 and leapfrogging Liverpool to the title.

Arsenal – Sega [1999-2002]

But that partnership ended in 1999; replaced with Sega and its short-lived Dreamcast console. Highlight: In the final year of the agreement, Arsenal bagged their second domestic double (League and FA Cup) in four years.

Barnet – JBL [2002-04]

American audio manufacturer JBL were the sponsors of then-Conference team Barnet for two seasons. Highlight: Barnet qualified for the Conference playoffs in 2003-04, but were defeated by Shrewsbury Town.

Barnet – Toshiba [2013-]

Barnet's second flirtation with an AV manufacturer came just last season, with Toshiba adorning their shirts. Highlight: Well, none. Despite the talents of Edgar Davids, Barnet came a lowly eighth on their return to non-league.

Chelsea – Samsung [2005-]

Chelsea and Samsung were first paired together in 2005, initially as Samsung Mobile before the 'Mobile' was dropped. Highlight: It's been a great few seasons for Chelsea, with a number of domestic and European honours.

Crystal Palace – TDK [1993-99]

TDK and Crystal Palace partnered for most of the 90s, with the Japanese company coming in at the start of the Premier League. Highlight: Two promotions to the top flight stand out, even if they were followed by immediate relegations.

Fulham – LG [2007-10]

It was during arguably Fulham's most successful time in the top flight that the LG brand could be found on their shirts. Highlight: Current England manager Roy Hodgson took the London club to the 2010 Europa League final.

Huddersfield Town – Panasonic [1995-2001]

A curious case of affairs. Panasonic's association with Huddersfield Town began after they were promoted to Division One in 1995 and ended in 2001 when the Terriers went back to Division Two. Coincidence? Highlight: eighth place in Division One

Ipswich Town – Pioneer [1981-85]

The first company to find its way onto the Ipswich Town shirt was Pioneer, the season after the club had won the UEFA Cup. Highlight: Ipswich didn't quite reach the same heights again; league runners-up in 1981/2 was as good as it was going to get.

Leicester City – LG [2001-03]

After nearly 15 years, Leicester City parted company with Walkers Crisps and it was LG that stepped into the breech in 2001. Highlight: The Foxes were relegated from the Premier League in LG's first season, but bounced straight back the next year.

Leyton Orient – Samsung [2012-]

Samsung isn't limiting itself to one sponsorship in English football: Leyton Orient are another of its partnerships. Highlight: As we write, promotion to the second tier – the Championship – is just one game away in the playoffs against Rotherham United.

Liverpool – Hitachi [1979-82]

One of the first ever shirt sponsorship deals was signed between Liverpool and Hitachi at a time when the Reds were dominant. Highlight: Two league titles and a European Cup were among the honours from this three-year period!

Livingston – Motorola [1998-2002]

In 1995, Meadowbank Thistle changed their name to Livingston and Motorola arrived on the scene in 1998 – just in time too. Highlight: Livingston gained two promotions in three years, before finishing third in the SPL in 2002.

Manchester United – Sharp [1982-2000]

It will probably go down as one of the most famous sponsorship deals ever, with Manchester United paired with Sharp for 18 years – even the grey shirts. Highlight: Really? We've lost count the number of trophies Manchester United won during that time.

MK Dons – Marshall [2004-09]

The first firm to sponsor MK Dons after their controversial relocation from Wimbledon in south London was Marshall, the guitar amp makers. Highlight: Within two years of their move, MK Dons were down to League Two. Another two years later, they won League Two and regained promotion.

Motherwell – Motorola [1991-2002]

Livingston wasn't Motorola's first Scottish sponsorship deal – Motherwell had their logo in 1991. Highlight: A league runners-up medal in 1994-95 was the best Motherwell could salvage from the Old Firm's clutches.

Watford – Blaupunkt [1993-96]

The German audio company's only venture into English soccer sponsorship came during the mid-1990s with Watford. Highlight: Not a particularly glorious time for the Hornets, who were relegated to Division Two in 1996.

Watford – Toshiba [2001-03]

Before Toshiba partnered Barnet, the company sponsored another Hertfordshire side in the form of Watford. Highlight: Not much to report in the league, but the Division One team did make the FA Cup semi-finals in 2003.

Wimbledon – Samsung [1989-1991]

The Samsung name has cropped up a fair few times over the years, and a partnership with Wimbledon is another example. Highlight: After the 1988 FA Cup win, the next few seasons saw the Dons consolidate their progress.

Wycombe Wanderers – Samsung [2013-]

It's true – Samsung has four sponsorship deals on the go at the one time; Wycombe Wanderers completing the set here. Highlight: If you count surviving the drop into the Conference a highlight, then we'll take it.